Herpesvirus-encoded microRNA dysregulate M1 and M2 macrophage miRNA profiles

Primary human M1 and M2 macrophages were transfected with different human herpesvirus-derived viral miRNA and the impact on the cellular microRNAs was profiled using microarray. Viral miRNA-mediated impact was assessed on the host cellular microRNA profiles by miRNA microarray analysis. Five different viral miRNA representing 4 different human herpesviruses were overexpressed in M1 and M2 macrophages and the changes in cellular miRNA compared to control mimic were examined. Viral miRNA exhibit unique impact on M1 and M2 miRNA profiles. Human macrophages were differentiated to M1 and M2 phenotype using CD14+ monocytes in presence of GM-CSF and M-CSF, respectively. At Day 7, cells were transfected with viral miRNA or control mimics (50 nM final concentration). After four hours, media was replaced with complete media containing IFNγ+LPS and IL4+IL-13 for M1 and M2 macrophages, respectively. Total RNA was isolated after 48 hours and cellular microRNA profiles was analyzed by microarray.